South Pond criticism is '˜unfair'

Steve Morley said: “I feel there has been much unnecessary criticism. We asked for a solution to the recurrent problem of silting and this is being addressed. As a bonus it is being approached in such a way as to make the area more environmentally stable. We should, by the summer, have more varied flora and fauna and a cleaner pond.”

He said an update of the works carried out by Chichester District Council, the South Downs National Park and the South Pond Group would be made at the town council’s annual town meeting on May 5. “I look forward to hearing about their aspirations. In the meanwhile I suggest we heed the advice of those who worked on the project and let the pond do the talking. I anticipate that we could all have a pond to be proud of this summer even if there are still further works to be carried out.”

Last year critics including Midhurst historian Bridget Howard attacked the restoration work at the pond. She said: “The quest for ‘biodiversity’ had ‘cost Midhurst yet another part of its heritage’.

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